About Der Greif Photobook Features

Der Greif invites publishers and artists to submit recently published photobooks and artist books for consideration. This open call is conceived as a space of encounter between practices, geographies, and ways of thinking through the book as a critical and poetic form, sites of shared authorship, collaboration, exposure, vulnerability and circulation. They shape how work is read, shared, and, ultimately, remembered. In a moment defined by accelerated image flows and shifting economies of attention, the photobook remains a place for slowness, intention, and depth, where visual language can unfold on its own terms.

We welcome submissions that challenge, expand, or reimagine what a photobook can be: from intimate self-published works to experimental editions, collective projects, and press-led releases. We are interested in publications that engage critically with contemporary life, visual culture, and the politics of representation, as well as those that foreground materiality, design, and storytelling as integral to the work.

This call is open-ended by design. Rather than prescribing a theme, we invite you to contribute to an ongoing conversation about contemporary photobook culture.

Please note: Submissions must include photographs of the physical book or dummy itself. Digital spreads or screen-based mock-ups alone will not be considered. You can also upload a flip-through video. Detailed file requirements are shown when you submit.

Why submit?

• Be discovered by Der Greif Editors
• Have your photobook selected for a featured in Der Greif’s Articles section, including a dedicated editorial feature highlighting the project, its context, and the maker(s)
• Get exposed to international visibility within the Der Greif community and beyond, alongside long-term archival presence on our platform

How entries are selected

Entries are reviewed by Der Greif editorial team members, namely Ilaria Sponda (Managing Editor) and Carolina Semprucci (Assistant Editor). They evaluate each project on its strength underlying idea and its articulation through the photobook format, thoughtful use of sequencing, pacing, layout, materiality, and structure as integral to the work, and the project's meaningful and original engagement with contemporary photographic, cultural, or social questions. Selection is carried out already during the duration of the open call and selected projects will be reviewed and published up until the end of 2026.

Voluntary donation

Der Greif is a registered non-profit. In these challenging economic times – especially for arts organizations and artists – we are convinced to provide a vital platform for our community. If you're in the position to support this mission, we value your support.

Since launching Guest Room in January 2015, we've invited a broad range of professionals (gallerists, editors, curators) to create opportunities for artists to share their work and get it in front of an international network they might not have access to otherwise. We are more commited than ever to continue this work.

We suggest a voluntary 10€ donation to help us sustain these efforts. If you'd like to support us further, we also accept regular donations via our Raisely page.

If you're unable to contribute financially, please email voucher-special@dergreif.org to receive a 50% or 100% discount code. Your artistic and financial contributions enable our continued growth.

About Der Greif

Der Greif is an award-winning organization for contemporary photography. It is print-publication, online-publication, curatorial team and joint project all at once. Der Greif connects the digital and the analogue, exploring and expanding the borders and limits of image-distribution and -reception in the digital era.